Viewpoints: Insurance Companies Can Drop Patients Whenever; Choosing Between Doctor Vs. Urgent Care
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine insurance companies, urgent care, covid, and disabilities in academia.
Public Health Experts Worry As Trump Ramps Up Anti-Vax Messaging
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The former president has been threatening to withhold money from schools with vaccine or mask mandates. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Republican state lawmakers advanced a bill paring back a strict public school vaccine mandate.
Morning Briefing for Monday, March 11, 2024
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Medical debt, a covid anniversary, Paxlovid, Medicare payments, cancer navigators, vaccines, abortion law, ALS, and more are in the news.
Medicare To Offer Loans To Providers Feeling Pinch From Change Hack
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Saturday that it will provide advances to hospital, health groups, and other medical providers that have been financially impacted by delayed payments from Change Healthcare after its system outage caused by a ransomware attack. HHS is also urging UnitedHealth, the parent company, to expedite payments.
Insurers Agree To Cover Cancer Navigators As Part Of Moonshot Program
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
As part of President Joe Biden’s push to expand his cancer moonshot program, more than six large insurers have agreed to cover services offered by cancer navigators who help patients through the complicated medical treatment options and process.
Covid Pandemic Declared 4 Years Ago Today: It’s Killed Nearly 1.2 Million Americans
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets examine the impact covid has had on the U.S. over those last 4 years, including how some patients aren’t getting Paxlovid, how long covid is still hurting many people as the pandemic fades, and how the virus can persist in blood and tissue.
First Edition: March 11, 2024
March 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: The Medicare Episode
By Dan Weissmann
March 11, 2024
Podcast
On this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” host Dan Weissmann breaks down the complicated and expensive world of Medicare with practical tips to pick the right plan and avoid penalties.
Why Covid Patients Who Could Most Benefit From Paxlovid Still Aren’t Getting It
By Arthur Allen
March 11, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Price worries, bureaucratic obstacles, and “I’m-over-covid-itis” slow uptake of a drug that’s complicated to take but often effective.
California Attorney General Boosts Bill Banning Medical Debt From Credit Reports
By Molly Castle Work
March 11, 2024
KFF Health News Original
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has thrown his weight behind state Sen. Monique Limón’s legislation to bar unpaid medical bills from showing up on consumer credit reports. If passed, California would join just a few other states with such protections.
Biden Said State of the Union Is Strong and Made Clear His Campaign Is Off and Running
By KFF Health News and PolitiFact staffs
March 8, 2024
KFF Health News Original
President Joe Biden used his roughly 68-minute address to Congress to counter lackluster public approval ratings and draw clear contrasts between his administration’s policies and those of Donald Trump and some congressional Republicans. Abortion and health care were in the spotlight.
Hospitales de California y defensores buscan financiación estable para retener a navegadores de salud conductual
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
March 8, 2024
KFF Health News Original
En 2022, el año más reciente del que se dispone de datos, 7,385 californianos murieron por sobredosis relacionadas con opioides, de los cuales el 88% involucró fentanilo, un opioide sintético que puede ser 50 veces más potente que la heroína.
Viewpoints: Kansas Extremists Are At It Again; How One Doctor Views Biden’s Fitness For The Job
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle abortion, aging, psychiatric drugs, and more.
Panel Looking At Maine Shooting Probes Army Reservists On Gunman
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
The New York Times reports on the commission that is investigating the October mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Other news is on Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, former White House physician; a bill that would allow amputees hoping to join the military to serve in medical personnel fields; and more.
Study: 8 In 10 Calls To Florida’s Medicaid Call Center Get Disconnected
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
A study finds that dropped calls and long wait times are “hindering” access to health care for people with Medicaid coverage. Other regional health news comes from Minnesota, Kentucky, and California.
Measles Cases Reported In Midwest While Outbreak Grows In Florida
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
The first measles case in five years was reported in Chicago, while three cases and the potential for more raised concern in Michigan. Also: news on meningitis, RSV, covid, and more.
Eli Lilly Ad Calls Out Hollywood Obsession With Ozempic
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
Drugmaker Eli Lilly, which produces weight-loss drug Zepbound, is criticizing people who prescribe or take such drugs without an obesity diagnosis.
ER Visits Rise 420% Among Kids Who Accidentally Ate Melatonin
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reports on federal data showing a four-fold rise from 2009 to 2020. Also in the news: domestic violence and brain damage; the effects of daylight saving time on heart health; a new report on female genital mutilation; and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on twins, ZTTK syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024
Morning Briefing
Health care at the State of the Union, abortion law, drug costs, measles, Medicaid, and more are in the news. Plus, your weekend reads.